@ sutty68: Agreed, still, I feel like a win was attainable there.
@ olabj: Thanks. Norway has had a very strong season, although mostly due to Thor and EBH.
Giro di Lombardia
Milano - Como: 260.0km
La classica delle foglie morte. The Giro di Lombardia is the fifth Monument of the season, and unofficial end of the road racing season; all due apologies to the Japan Cup.
Many of the riders here have planned their entire season around this very late race.
The favorite is undoubtedly Philippe Gilbert. The Omega Pharma strong man dominated the Ardennes, winning all three races. The Walloon has rested in order to be fresh for Lombardy. If he wins, he will become the first rider since Fausto Coppi in the 1940s to win three times in a row.
Gilbert's biggest challenger will likely be Damiano Cunego. A three time winner in his own right, the piccolo prince is one of the four men to win the race since 2002.
Behind the two clear favorites, there is a host of other riders determined to break through. Never before in the modern era has this race gone through a period with such a lack of diversity in winners. Those challenging include, but aren't limited to, Andy Schleck, Roman Kreuziger, Joaquím Rodríguez, Robert Gesink, and Michele Scarponi.
A breakaway got away in the early kilometers. Once again, Gianluca Brambilla was present for Colnago. With him were Peter Stetina (Team Garmin - Cervélo), Óscar Pujol (Omega Pharma - Lotto), Morris Possoni (Sky ProCycling), Julien Vermote (Quick·Step Cycling Team), Alessandro Bisolti (Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli), and Emanuele Sella (Androni Giocattoli).
A strong breakaway forms early on.
The race was also the first opportunity for many to see Australian Simon Gerrans (Sky ProCycling) ride in his rainbow jersey. Not originally on his schedule, Gerrans added the race after his triumphant ride in Denmark.
Gerrans will be a watched rider on the day.
Despite the long length of the race, the peloton appeared a bit nervous giving such a strong breakaway a big lead. Team RadioShack controlled the early proceedings, keeping the lead around the 4 minute mark.
Not much time to relax, it will be a long day for many.
Midway through the day, Nicolas Roche (AG2R La Mondiale) and Mikel Nieve (Euskaltel - Euskadi) left the peloton on a speculative move.
Roche and Nieve charge after the breakway.
The duo made short work of the gap, bridging to the escape group with 120km remaining. The lead over the peloton had also grown out, to 6'04.
The breakaway grows in strength with the addition of Roche and Nieve.
In the valley before the Colle di Balisio, the viewers were treated with some nice images.
The sun peaks out over a mountain.
With the real climbing approaching, the pace had been upped in the breakaway, mainly under the auspices of Roche and Nieve. It was too much for Brambilla and several others. They dropped off the back.
Brambilla is dropped by the leaders in the breakaway.
Six riders lead the race over the climb, Roche, Nieve, Bisolti, Stetina, Sella, and Possoni. Approaching was the Madonna del Ghisallo.
The leaders on the road.
In the peloton, Katusha and Lampre led the chase up one of the major climbs on the day. Domenico Pozzovivo and Marco Frapporti were doing well in the group, however, were without much team support.
The high pace leaves Pozzovivo and Frapporti isolated.
Approaching the church at Madonna del Ghisallo, Roche and Nieve broke the remaining breakaway riders. The pair were now off their own against the rest of the field.
Roche and Nieve still have around 60km to go.
As soon as the short descent from Ghisallo was made, the riders went up again, this time climbing the Colma di Sormano. No moves were made on the climb, but the peloton continued to chase down Nieve and Roche. Near the top, they were arrested. Due to the pace, the peloton had shrunk to 21 riders. Most of the leading contenders were present, including the Colnago duo of Pozzovivo and Frapporti; Gerrans was not able to keep up.
The leading group summits the Sormano.
The descent was without issue. Through the valley, the group of riders took turns on the front. The day would be decided on the San Fermo climb, 5km from the line.
Next to Lake Como, a nervous group of riders.
They kept the speed up heading into the final climb. As soon as they hit the slopes, riders started looking at each other. Unwilling to let the opportunity pass by, Pozzovivo wasted little time and attacked.
Pozzovivo announces his intentions.
Navigating through the rapid tifosi, Pozzovivo showed a great burst, creating a gap back to the group.
There was no immediate response to his move, but at the front, Jelle Vanendert (Omega Pharma - Lotto) was burying himself for Gilbert. Frapporti was doing his best to stay on Gilbert's wheel. Everyone was suffering now.
Pozzovivo went over the top alone, and as quickly as he could, started making the descent to the line.
Shortly, the flamme rouge was in sight. However, just behind him, was a closing Gilbert and Ivan Basso (Liquigas - Cannondale). Could Pozzovivo hold off the group?
Pozzovivo is just ahead heading into the finish.
Unfortunately, there was just too much road and Gilbert was too strong. Thanks to some excellent work by Vanendert, Gilbert had calculated his effort to perfection. He closed incredibly quickly, winning the race in style.
Also closing quickly was Cunego. Despite being quite anonymous for most of the day, the Lampre man showed he had the strength today, but not the tactics. A fourth win eluded him.
For his efforts, Pozzovivo faded a bit, but still did well enough to collect 5th. Frapporti, who likely found today a bit too mountainous, grabbed 10th. Overall, it was an excellent to the season.
Too bad you couldn't hold on to the win, but did great. Also congratulations to a fantastic first season, with awesome reports and good results!!! Can't wait for next season.
Great move by Pozzo, this one should have made a win for Colnago here.. it's quite difficult to win against Gilbert though, especially with a teammate working so well.. but anyway: a very good race for you with Frapporti finishing in Top-10 as well and just like you said: a nice end to your season
@ Pellizotti2: Pozzovivo really slowed in the final kilometer. When I got over the top of the final climb, I really thought he'd win. I hadn't faced Gilbert yet and didn't quite realize how fast he could close.
@ dienblad: Thanks! I will be posting a review of the season (both for Colnago and the cycling world) and a transfer overview, then, on to 2012!
@ tsmoha: I'll always try. I'd rather launch an attack and have a shot at winning, rather than saving energy just to get a couple places higher. Pozzovivo was likely never beating Gilbert or Cunego today.
@ Spilak23: Thanks. I thought I had it won too for a second. It was a bit disappointing when I saw Gilbert and Cunego flash by Pozzo.
News
Season Comes to a Close
With the completion of Chronos des Nations and the Japan Cup, the 2011 road cycling season is officially over. The year was highlighted by some dominant performances from the likes of Ivan Basso, Philippe Gilbert, and Samuel Sánchez. A full review of all the action will be forthcoming.
As winter gets ready to set in, there is plenty of work that must go on to get ready for the 2012 season. While most of the transfers are complete, there are still several teams scrambling to get that last signature. Additionally, some teams, like Colnago - CSF Inox must start to look for new sponsors. With contracts running out, there is a question whether or not Colnago, or CSF Inox will want to continue the partnership.
The sun sets on 2011.
October
• Circuit Franco-Belge
Kenny Van Hummel
• Memorial Marco Pantani
Constantino Zaballa
• Sparkassen Münsterland Giro
John Degenkolb
• Tour of Beijing
Matthias Brändle
• Coppa Sabatini
Marco Frapporti
• Campeonato de Colombia (ITT)
Rigoberto Urán
• Giro dell'Emilia
Roman Kreuizger
• Paris - Tours
Jens Keukeleire
• G.P. Beghelli
Marco Frapporti
• Campeonato de Colombia
Fabio Duarte
• Milano - Torino
Marco Frapporti
• Giro del Piemonte
Bersvenn Støen
• Giro di Lombardia
Philippe Gilbert
• Chrono des Nations
Jos Van Emden
• Japan Cup
Yury Trofimov
*Final Rankings will be in the Season Review Post*
It was a happy October for Frapporti
Now they will all go for a well deserved break from competition and come back next season for more of the same
See you next season
@ all: Thanks all. I'm excited for the next season too. I've completed my roster and think it is quite improved from this year.
Season Review
Colnago Ends Season with a Bang
In its second full year under its current name, the Colnago - CSF Inox enjoyed a very successful season, due in no large part to a fantastic campaign in the Auutmn classics. The team collected 8 wins along the way, led by Domenico Pozzovivo's 4. A strong close from Marco Frapporti, winning the Coppa Sabatini, G.P. Beghelli, and Milano - Torino in one week, greatly helped the team's cause. Manuel Belletti's late attack in Stage 2 in the Vuelta a Castilla y León was the other win.
Colnago established themselves as one of the burgeoning teams in the peloton.
Frapporti was undoubtedly the revelation of the season, timing a late season peak to perfection. Yet, for a while, it remained in question whether the 26 year old would make his breakthrough. A heartbreaking 2nd place finish in the Giro del Lazio, with Yury Trofimov coming from behind to take the win, saw the emerging Italian puncheur come back with a renewed strength.
Fueled by his near misses, and boosted by selection for the World Championships, Frapporti returned in October with vim and vigor. In his three victories, he bested riders like Peter Sagan, Damiano Cunego, and Roman Kreuziger.
While Frapporti closed the season with style, there was one rider who was at the heart of every success Colnago achieved, Domenico Pozzovivio. Affectionately known as 'Pozzo' to his fans, the diminutive climber enjoyed a wonderful season, spanning from Malaysia in January to Italy in October. Always a talented climber, Pozzovivo managed his race schedule excellently, and perhaps more importantly, avoided crashes and illness which has too often plagued him. A stage win and 4th overall placing in Le Tour de Langkawi signalled his intentions from the very beginning.
The team had hoped his presence would garner wildcard entries into Milan - San Remo and Tirreno - Adriatico, but it was not to be. Nonetheless, his focus only increased when the team gained inclusion in the Giro d'Italia. Things were looking up, as he captured two overall podiums at the Vuelta a Castilla y León and the Giro del Trentino. In the latter race, he had a highly entertaining duel with Giro contender and rival, Michele Scarponi.
Still, what happened over the next three weeks could not have been expected. A pre-race shout for a Top 10 place, Pozzovivo shattered expectations, coming in 5th overall. Exlcuding Ivan Basso, at times, Pozzovivo was the strongest climber in the field. Finishing only 1'28 off the podium, next year's goal is already known.
Pozzovivo, always attacking, enjoyed his finest season as a professional.
Others enjoyed great success in the Giro d'Italia. Filippo Savini fought hard for the maglia verde, the mountains jersey, but ultimately came in 3rd in that classification. A third place on Stage 7, up to Montevergine di Mercogliano was the highlight of his race. Additionally, Simone Stortoni and Stefano Pirazzi showed themselves to be very worthy domestiques.
The season wasn't all good. The lack of success in mass sprints is something that has to be improved. Sacha Modolo entered the season with many expectations, but failed to win a race. Still only 24, the team will have to keep a keen eye on the rider's progression to make sure he hasn't stagnated.
Modolo was consistent, but lacked the winning edge.
Dominant Performers Steal the Show
The 2011 season was marked by several individuals who put in tremendous rides.
In 2006, Ivan Basso won the Giro d'Italia by 9'18 in one of the most impressive displays in recent years. This season, he topped that, beating Michele Scarponi and the rest of the field by a whopping 12'31! Along the way, he took an incredible 6 stages. With changes coming at his Liquigas team, it remains unclear what his goals for next season will be, but surely, many of his fellow competitors will be hoping he doesn't return for further glory.
Velo d'Or winner, Philippe Gilbert was another name often on the tongue's of cycling fans. The world's premier hilly classic rider, Gilbert stamped his authority over the pro peloton, winning virtually every race he was supposed to. A breakaway win at La Flèche Wallonne prevented him from sweeping the Ardennes classics, but he still emerged the winner of the Amstel Gold Race, and two Monuments, Liège - Bastogne - Liège, and most recently, the Giro di Lombardia.
Only this man knows what the future holds.
The other Monuments? They too were won in triumphant fashion. Mark Cavendish confirmed his ability to win a hard race, repeating his success from 2009, winning Milan - San Remo. His 24 victories led the peloton. The Flandrian classics again belonged to Tom Boonen. A year after Fabian Cancellara tore up the field, Boonen raised the bar in an ongoing game of "anything you can do I can do better."
Nice read, as always! A well deserved focus on both Frapporti and Pozzo.. and I really like your attitude of attacking, aggressive racing instead of "dotting" to a 5th place Looking forward to how your squad will improve for next season, I'm sure there will be some nice and realistic additions.
tsmoha wrote:
Nice read, as always! A well deserved focus on both Frapporti and Pozzo.. and I really like your attitude of attacking, aggressive racing instead of "dotting" to a 5th place Looking forward to how your squad will improve for next season, I'm sure there will be some nice and realistic additions.
+1 to all of that. Couldn't have said it better myself.
tsmoha wrote:
Nice read, as always! A well deserved focus on both Frapporti and Pozzo.. and I really like your attitude of attacking, aggressive racing instead of "dotting" to a 5th place Looking forward to how your squad will improve for next season, I'm sure there will be some nice and realistic additions.
+1 to all of that. Couldn't have said it better myself.
It was a great first season with Colnago. Frapporti and Pozzo were the highlights, and perhaps Modolo was expected to do better. Hope for more wins next season, with the same great reports you've been writing, and always have.
Since July 1, riders and teams have been busy, whether looking to bring in a big name, unearthing the next great prospect, or simply trying to find a ride. In this big business, it is easy for riders to get lost in the shuffle. As well, egos come into play when riders are not willing to accept a position that their talent and results warrant.
Nonetheless, enjoy the presentation below:
Colnago - CSF Inox
In:
Mattia Cattaneo
<---
Elite-2
Henry Frusto
<---
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
Oscar Gatto
<---
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
Stefano Locatelli
<---
Elite-2
Adriano Malori
<---
Lampre - ISD
Salvatore Puccio
<---
Elite-2
Cristiano Salerno
<---
Liquigas - Cannondale
Mirko Selvaggi
<---
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
Out:
Manuele Caddeo
--->
Elite-2
Alberto Contoli
--->
Elite-2
Paolo Locatelli
--->
Elite-2
Omar Lombardi
--->
Elite-2
Andrea Piechele
--->
Elite-2
Through a series of moves, the team expands to 20 riders; bringing in 8 new riders (excluding Renato Baroni who joined the team in August).
This infusion of new blood, also meant some riders had to leave. The team saw 5 riders leave the squad; they were Manuele Caddeo, Alberto Contoli, Paolo Locatelli, Omar Lombardi, and Andrea Piechele. These five riders were all on the fringes of the team during 2011, and the team did not feel any showed enough progression to remain with the squad.
The team thanked them for their service, and tried to help them find new rides for next season, but as of November, they were all still without a contract. Such is the cruel nature of cycling.
But, on to happier subjects, the new recruits. The team was aggressive in this period. Their main goal was to increase the quality of the squad by bringing in riders with the ability to win. Colnago's 2011 season was a good one, but too frequently the team relied on a handful of riders. This burden wore on the riders like Domenico Pozzovivo, Marco Frapporti, and Sacha Modolo. In the last case, Modolo did not seem ready to cope with the pressure.
There were unsubstantiated reports of flirtation with riders such as Andrea Guardini and Alessandro Petacchi, and whether or not they were real, nothing came from them. The team looked hard at riders such as Manuel Quinziato and Luca Paolini, but ultimately decided to focus on a policy of youth recruitment. Lastly, Morris Possoni and Daniel Oss were heavily linked to the team, but ultimately chose other teams.
Now, the new rider profiles:
Mattia Cattaneo:
In Cattaneo, Colnago have captured arguably the best Italian GC prospect. Winner of the 2011 Girobio, Cattaneo followed up on that performance with several wins in Italy for his team Trevigiani. He continued to put forth impressive results, including a 3rd place finish in the Tour de l'Avenir, only 24 seconds adrift of winner Johan Chaves.
Despite his pedigree, Colnago will be quick to temper expectations in his rookie season. At only 21 years old, Colnago must be careful to manage his schedule and workload. Still, his signing instantly improves the team's climbing capabilities.
Cattaneo is the complete package as a GC contender
Henry Frusto:
Henry Frusto, 26, only has one year of experience in the professional peloton. He spent the past year, mostly as a domestique, with the Continental team D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo. He was often used as an attacking force, and was seen in many breakaways in the latter half of the season. As he continues his development with Colnago, he will likely retain a similar role with the team. Still, 3 Top 10s in the Tour of Oman and Tour of Turkey last year indicate he can be more than a water carrier when given the opportunity.
Frusto on the attack.
Oscar Gatto:
The rider with the largest reputation joining the team is sprinter/puncheur Oscar Gatto. Gatto's biggest moment of the season came when he won Stage 11 of the Giro. His only other win of the season came during Stage 3 of the Settimana Coppi e Bartali. Top 10s in Strade Bianche, G.P. Costa degli Etruschi, and Trofeo Laiguegia also have been added to his palmarès. His season was unfortunately cut short by a fractured vertebrae. He is still healing, but all indications are that he will be ready in time for the team's first training camp.
He instantly gives the team another rider very capable of winning on any given day. He now joins a formidable quartet with Sacha Modolo, Manuel Belletti, and Marco Frapporti, all fast finishers with the ability to get over hills.
Colnago will be expecting Gatto to continue his winning ways with the team.
Stefano Locatelli:
A 22-year old from Lombardy, Locatelli is a talented rider that has been on the radar of many Italian teams for some time. Stepping up the competition, he joins the team after riding in the amateur circuit, most recently with Team Colpack. Here, he performed very consistently, capturing a 4th in the "Baby" Lombardy and 6th overall in the Girobio. Along with Cattaneo, they join Gianluca Brambilla to give the team a nice corps of young climbers.
Locatelli (right) shares the podium with future teammate Puccio (left) and young Austrian star Georg Priedler.
Adriano Malori:
One of the biggest coups of the transfer season was luring time trial ace Adriano Malori away from the bigger Lampre - ISD squad. Indeed, the large size of his former team may have caused the split, as with Colnago, Malori will have the opportunity to ride for himself. Not great with the hilly stuff, Malori should be able to perform in short stage races containing a time trial. Still, at 23 years old, he has time to improve in those areas. He also immediately helps to improve the team time trial, as before they were devoid of any capable riders in that discipline.
Adriano Malori is already an elite time trialer.
Salvatore Puccio:
Another young neo-pro joins the team in the form of Salvatore Puccio. Riding for Team Hoppla Truck, the youngster enjoyed a highly successful season, highlighted by a win in the U23 Ronde van Vlaanderen. A strong man, his greatest potential lies perhaps in hilly classics. His 4th place in Toscana - Coppa delle Nazioni, where he also won a stage, illustrated his credentials in such terrain.
Puccio increases the talent level at Colnago.
Cristiano Salerno:
In his early career, Salerno has bounced around from team to team, but not because of lack of skill. Salerno, only 26, is already an experienced mountain domestique. He joins the team, after spending last year looking after Vincenzo Nibali and Ivan, and will be counted on by Domenico Pozzovivo in the Giro d'Italia.
Salerno will be counted on when the road goes up.
Mirko Selvaggi:
A solid all-rounder, Tuscan Mirko Selvaggi quite simply adds to the depth of the team. In big races, he has the ability to be a key domestique over various terrains, while also being able to lead a team in smaller races. His recruitment was part of a concerted effort to take the pressure off Pozzovivo and the other team leaders.
Mirko completes the Colnago roster for next year.
A full team presentation will come during the 2012 season preview.
..hope to see even better 2012..
